The Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) has launched a national dialogue calling for the creation of a universal, stand-alone legal framework for social protection and pensions, with a focus on older persons in Uganda.
Angela Kasule Nabwowe, the Executive Director of ISER, stated that findings from recent assessments reveal widespread vulnerability and neglect among older persons who remain excluded from existing government social protection programs.
Uganda is home to an estimated 2.3 million people aged 60 and above.
However, only about 300,000 individuals those aged 80 and over currently benefit from the UGX 25,000 monthly government stipend.
This limited reach, Kasule explained, highlights the urgent need for legislation that guarantees all citizens aged 60 and above access to government-supported social protection.
She stressed that such a legal instrument would redefine social protection for the elderly as a fundamental right, rather than a charitable initiative.
Responding to the call, Steven Kasaija, Director for Expanding Social Programs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said the government is committed to expanding support for the elderly.
Under the upcoming National Development Plan IV, the ministry plans to increase the social protection budget from UGX 121 billion to UGX 400 billion in order to close funding gaps and expand coverage.
By Newsroom
25th June 2025
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